The Florida Orchestra presents Flash Cadillac: Rockin' at the Pops, October 20, 2006 Carol Morsani Hall

Hailed as "a virtual encyclopedia of rock" by The Denver Post, Flash Cadillac has been featured on American Band Stand, Midnight Special, Happy Days, American Graffiti and more. This evening features such classic hits as "Blueberry Hill," "Dancing in the Streets," "Splish Splash", "I Only Have Eyes for You," "Pretty Woman," "Surfin’ USA" and others. For more information, call 813.286.2403. Buy Tickets Online

October 12 - 29, 2006 Shimberg Playhouse

This thriller was one of London's hottest tickets when it premiered in 2003. The Pillowman is playwright Martin McDonagh's (The Beauty Queen of Leenane) exhilarating and viciously funny new comedy-drama about a fiction writer in a totalitarian state who is interrogated when a number of bizarre incidents occurring in his town resemble the gruesome content of his short stories. After premiering at London's National Theatre in November 2003, the play received the 2004 Olivier Award and an Evening Standard Award nomination for Best New Play and went on to capture two Tony Awards (plus four more nominations), two Drama Desk Awards, an Outer Critic’s Circle Award and a Drama Critics Circle Award. "This makes Wes Craven look like Mother Goose." – Daily News

PERFORMANCES, Thurs. 8 p.m., Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 4 p.m. Buy Tickets Online

Old and New Standards Curated & Introduced by Fernando Gonzalez.
We're transforming the Studio Theater into the coziest club in town for three delightful evenings featuring the very cool art of jazz singing. October 19 @ 7:30 & 9 p.m.
A hit at jazz clubs from London to New York, a favorite of music festivals from Asia to South America, this Miami native writes her own music and interprets it with a rich voice that is both ebullient and stylish. Nominated "Vocalist of the Year" by JazzWeek, Lundy's latest release is Jazz and the New Songbook-Live at The Madrid. Studio Theater Buy Tickets Online

Don Quixote Comes To Broward Center, Oct 20-22^nd 

Au-Rene Theater
Price $22.00 - $105.00
Buy Tickets On-Line

This weekend, Friday October 20^th through the Sunday the 22^nd, The Miami City Ballet will be performing at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts.  Just last weekend they were at the Carnival Center for the Performing arts and will be moving next month to The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts (Nov 17-19^th).  This is the tale of the man from La Mancha (a little town in Spain I’ve been through) and is the Miami City Ballet’s full-length production that is based on the famed 19^th century book with some exciting and lively enhancements.  Tickets are limited but still available for all performances.  You can purchases them through www.browardcenter.org or by stopping by the box office at 201 SW 5^th Avenue in Fort Lauderdale or by calling 954*462-0222. 

Fans of world music, African jazz, rock, reggae and classic R&B alike appreciate the powerful melodies of outspoken Zimbabwe musician, Thomas Mapfumo. His new release, Rise Up, (Now out on Peter Gabriels Real World Records) is a tour de force musically, and continues the political and cultural crusades that have gotten both him and his music banned in Zimbabwe. Beloved by the people in his native country, and more popular for over 2 decades than its president, his new release now takes the world by storm. A joyous combination of musical styles from hip-hop and raga to rollicking township dance grooves and refracted glimmers of reggae and R&B - hes created an exciting new genre all his own called Chimurenga. Few bandleaders anywhere have been as relevant to the lives of their people as this self-styled poet of the righteous, and few will deliver such a moving musical event.

Local Theatre Buzz

Please note: we have organized this by the date of the final performance. New additions this week are highlighted in Bold Red.

All The Great Books, Thru Oct 29^th 

The Public Theatre of South Florida is proud to bring to us All the Great Books (Abridged) by Reed Martin and Austin Tickenor.  This hilarious play, reviews 87 classics in 90 minutes.  This is directed by Jerry K. Jensen, is only $5 and can be purchased at 866*4MY-TIXS and is at SOREF JCC at 6501 West Sunrise Blvd in Fort Lauderdale.  Performances are Thursday and Saturdays at 8pm and 2pm Matinees on Saturdays and Sundays.   http://www.publictheatre.com

Is This a Red Light Winter? 

Unidentified Human Remains, Starts October 27^th 

On Display

Harmony Jones is at The Uncommon Gallery Friday, October 13^th 

This Friday, October 13^th, at The Uncommon Gallery at 2713 East Commercial, Harmony Jones and various other artists will have displays in Pompano.  Harmony, previously interviewed and featured here at The Art of Life, had a One Woman Show at The New Moon Café in August.  The Opening night is from 6-11pm and will also have food, drinks, music, and much more.  You can contact them for further information at 954*336-4305. 

Bodies Found in South Miami

The controversial and gruesome exhibit displaying the human body from the perspective of the bones and muscle tissue titled Bodies…The Exhibition, which I reported was in Tampa and then New York City, is now in the area at the Shops at Sunset Place.  Bodies will be on display until March 25^th and tickets cost between $16-$22.50.  The Shops at Sunset Place is located at 5701 Sunset Drive Suite 105 in South Miami.

For further information call 866*866-8265, 305*663-0873 or see them on the web at www.bodiestheexhibition.com. 

Dreams, Themes, & Nightmares Art Show & Contest 

On Tuesday, October 31^st at Stranahan Park there will be a Art Show and Contest called Dreams, Themes, & Nightmares Art Show & Contest which will be held at 6pm.  The art vendors can create and enter one piece of artwork exclusively but can display others in their booths, but just bring the piece on the day of the event.  Wicked Art Box Contest is for both vendors and non-vendors and all artwork must be on cardboard boxes.  This means spooky artwork on one side and artist statement on the other.  You can pick up the cardboard box from the City at George English Park at 1101 Bayview Drive in Fort Lauderdale.    You may also supply your own box and all artwork will be displayed throughout the park during this event.  Sadly, the presenters of the event are not liable or responsible for any artwork and any artwork left behind or not claimed by the end of the event will not be held or returned.  Deadline for cardboard entries is October 26^th and you can drop by the George English Park Monday through Friday from 2pm to 9pm.  For further information you can call Yvonne at 954*562-3804 or email her bythewayinc@aol.com. 

ArtErotica Comes to ArtExpressions Thru Nov 16^th

Now, through November 16^th, ArtExpressions will be hosting an exhibit titled, ArtErotica.  This show features works in various media by emerging and established artists that celebrate sexuality and the beauty of the human body.  This is all to promote a deeper, healthier, and more tolerant appreciation of human sexuality.  There is an opening reception this Saturday, October 14^th at 7pm with wine and cheese and a Meet and Greet of the artists, and is open to the public.  For further information go to www.artexpressions.tk or call them at 954*527-7700.  The gallery is located at 1212 NE 4^th Avenue in Fort Lauderdale. 

War and Kids 

At the Broward County Main Library Bienes Center, they now have an exhibition by collector Mitchell Wolfson Jr. that contains 50 objects that date from the Boer War to World War II that feature wartime propaganda directed at children.  Some of the items are things like:  Hitler puppets, a toy tank, and posters for gas masks.  The exhibition, called The Game of War:  Books, Toys, and Propaganda from MWJr Study Center can be found at the Broward County Main Library at 100 S. Andrews Avenue in Fort Lauderdale.  For further information go to www.broward.org/library or call them at 954*357-8692. 

Get to the Stonewall Library

Angels Have Landed at Storks Wilton Manors!

Earth, Air, Fire, Water, October 10- 21, 2006 

No, I am not talking about the chant from The Craft—even though it is one of my favorite movies, but a show appearing at The Gallery of the Unknown Artist in Hollywood.  The show, titled Earth, Air, Fire, Water features the photographic work of artist Rick McCawley in his first gallery exhibition.  His exhibit is a vast collection of digitally composed photographs that are categorized by element and each set appear organic and are rich with movement.  Combining the images of nature and the urban environment mixed with the human form he is able to craft dream-like compositions and are noticeably influenced with color, light, and texture to create “magical realism.”  The show will go from October 10^th through the 21^st and there will be an Opening Reception for the artist on Saturday, October 14^th from 7 to 10pm.  The Gallery of the Unknown Artist is located at 116 South 20^th Avenue in downtown Hollywood, FL.  For more information visit them at www.gotua.com or you can contact the gallery owner Ceci Weaver at 954*921-5551.

Masters of Latin Art 

At the Boca Raton Museum of Art, now through November 26^th, they are featuring a collection called Masters of Latin America:  From the Joan and Milton Bagley Collection that contains more than 60 paintings and sculptures never before exhibited by many of the most important Latin American artists of the last century.  The Boca Raton Museum of Art is located at 501 Plaza Real in Mizner Park.  You can go to www.bocamuseum.org or call them at 561*392-2500 for further information. 

Bank Atlantic Loves the Arts 

As I have reported earlier this summer, Bank Atlantic has teamed up with the Museum of Art in Fort Lauderdale to give free admission all summer long.  Well, they have decided to extend it until November 1^st!    Currently on display, they have William Glackens who was one of the most influential American painters of the first decades of the 20^th Century. 

Coming to Town

Please note: we have organized this by date of appearance. New additions this week are highlighted in Bold Red.

Where is the Jungle? Oct 24^th 

On Tuesday, October 24^th, Guns N’ Roses will be performing at the BankAtlantic Center.  I wonder if they will be doing all their old hits, and if they can do this without fighting.  This will be the concert of history if they can pull it off.  Tickets are available through www.ticketmaster.com and there is a limit of 8 tickets per person. 

I’m Verklemnpt, Saturday, October 28^th

Yes, the legendary Barbara Streisand will be performing Saturday, October 28^th at the Bank Atlantic Center in Sawgrass and will be having special guest Il Divo perform with her. Tickets are priced starting at $100 to $750 and VIP packages up to $1,800.  Much of the proceeds go to charities, one of which being The Streisand Foundation, which expects to raise millions from this tour.  Tickets are available through www.ticketmaster.com.    

Holiday Must Have

One of my favorite local photographers Dennis Dean, has created, through his magic eyes, a wonderful and tasteful calendar to help out the Swim Team of South Florida, The Nadadores.  The 2007 Beefcake Benefit Calendar is available through the Nadadores website:  http://www.nadadores.org/ and helps them go and compete at next year’s IGLA 2007 swim meet in Paris.  There will be another chance to get to know all of the team on Tuesday, October 24^th from 6-9pm at Fierté Cosmetics which is in the Victoria Park Shoppes at 658 North Federal Highway in Fort Lauderdale.  Let me just tell you I know what one of my Christmas presents is already…

2006 A&E Television Networks. All Rights Reserved

The famed Loew’s Kings Theater in Brooklyn will finally be saved from the wrecking ball.  All of the five original Lowe’s Wonders Theaters except for the Loew’s Kings has been refitted, maintained, and some have been turned into churches.  However, this one was left to rot with pigeon droppings, decay, mold, and three decades of plain neglect.  Through the help of community groups and Borough President Marty Markowitz, the Loew’s Kings Theater on Flatbush Avenue will be saved.  The 77-year-old former movie palace was home to Vaudeville as well which featured such stars as Bob Hope and Milton Berle and has employed such stars as:  Barbra Streissand, Sylvester Stalone, and Henry Winkler.  The group that saved the building, Save The Kings, wants the city-owned building to be restored and converted into a performing arts theatre.  With 77,200 square feet and 3,195 seats, there is ample room for residential space, a boutique hotel, and retail shops above the theatre let alone it is the 3^rd largest performance space in New York City and is known as The Radio City Music Hall of Brooklyn.  The estimate right now is tens of millions of dollars to restore the theatre, but stay tuned for updates.  If you would like more information or to register as a “Friend of the Loew’s Kings” go to http://www.planetplg.com/loews.htm. 

Travel and Wine

This Friday, October 20^th, will be the Wine & Travel Extravaganza at The Naked Grape.  They will taste some of the most popular and delicious wines from around the world and will be presented by the highly energetic and entertaining wine specialist Hernan Millan from Ibesc Wines.  There will also be travel specialists on hand to help you receive 50-70% off retail prices at the travel booth at the front of the store.  They will be featuring wines from all round the globe including a new Argentinian Malbec, and Italian Tocai, South American Pinot Noir, and a delicious organic Zinfandel from California.  This will be one of three wine tastings left in 2006 and will be the last one on a Friday night so don’t miss out!  Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door—if available.  You can RSVP by calling 954*563-5631 or stopping by the store at 2039 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. 

Dolce & Gabbana is Going French and Joining the Navy 

Recently, while flipping through the myriad of periodicals and media sources, I discovered something that flipped my fancy…D&G has joined The Navy!  Yes, they have gone Sailor Chic and have incorporated such things as black and white stripes, blacks, rough-worn jeans, and collarless button shirts—that actually say Sailor.   I just thought it was an odd T-shirt I saw on someone at Elements one night.  Not only this, but they are possibly inspired by the upcoming epic movie Marie Antoinette by Sofia Coppola and has, for months now, been running ads all over the place featuring scenes with a model made to look like The Queen.  You can see the ads currently at www.dolcegabbana.it. 

Gap is Seeing RED 

Did you know that 70% of all people infected with HIV live in sub-Saharan Africa?  Yes, well, Gap Inc. is doing their part to help out.  Gap RED started out with a T-shirt made in Africa from 100% African cotton and is now available in Gap stores all over the world and online at www.gap.com/red.  Founded by Bono and Bobby Shriver, with all Gap RED purchases, you can actually help make a difference in Africa.

Jeffrey Sebelia, Winner 

Between this week and last week, we watched the final four contestants:  Jeffrey Sebelia, Luara Bennett, Uli Herzner, and Michael Knight battle it out on the runway through their collections only to see Jeffrey Sebelia come out as winner.  I did not want to write this week’s column before the announcement from Heidi Klum of Who’s In and Who’s Out and who would have the wonderful prizes awarded to them. 

Last week our favorite little Mentor Tim Gunn, went around weeks before the Olympus Fashion Week festivities to check in on and monitor the progress of our four contestants.  For those of you not familiar with the show, the show is done months early, then they are given a specific amount of money (this time $8,000) and two months to do a collection that represents who they are as a designer and what talents they have for the fashion world.  Well, this is the first glimpse into the world of the contestants, see how they live, where they did their collection, and our first sneak peeks at what they will be showing.   

At the end of the show last week, they were all ushered into their hotel suites and new workrooms that they will be using.  OK, here’s the DRAMA—collectively, all three designers came to the conclusion that Jeffrey must have had help with his since he not only had to do this collection but his own collection for his own line.  Well, Laura went to Tim and they all agreed that there is no way that he could have done this finite stitching and have no touch-ups or alterations after meeting with and fitting the models.  Well, after deliberation and examination, Jeffrey’s only fault was that he went over the $8,000 budget and eliminated the wigs and a jean skirt from the collection, leaving him $400 under budget.   

When all was said and done, Michael was let go due to his lack of experience and maturity as a designer; Laura was let go because her collection was strictly evening and cocktail dresses, and Uli because of her prints and style.  It was sad for me because I had no one winner I was routing for, like Daniel Vosovic or Austin Scarlet, for my favorites Robert Best and Kayne were already eliminated and all four of this seasons were great in their own respects.  I am truly happy for the rags to riches scenario that his mother confessed in the Average Woman Challenge, that five years ago he was lying in a gutter and was a raging addict.  Thank God he cleaned up his act and his wife dyed her hair one color, love the Mohawk, but one color thank you.  Let it also be said that Season One’s Second Place Kara Saun said that she would not have received the amount of work that she has had she won.   

DJ Tees 

The UK’s got the website for those of you who enjoy vintage and individual tees that feature such things as John Lennon, Elvis, Joni Mitchell, The Velvet Underground amongst hundreds more.  With such categories as:  50’s-60’s/70’s/80’s/90’s Rock Stars, Blues Jazz, Soul Funk, and Country Folk, anyone who is a music lover can find the exact shirt that expresses their mood or vibe through a tee shirt.  You can find them or browse for the perfect Holiday gift for that special someone at www.djtees.com. 

Fashion and Architecture Until Dec 31^st 

At the Schoolhouse Children’s Museum in Boynton Beach, there is a photography exhibit entitled, Architecture & Fashion:  A Photographic View Point that compares the construction of a garment and that of a building.  According to Lori J. Durante, the Executive Director of the Museum of Lifestyle and Fashion History, both fashion and architecture go together to reflect cultural tastes for any given era.   The exhibit includes pictures of Frank Lloyd Wright’s buildings, creations by fashion designers such as Christian Dior, as well as hats and obscure uniforms.  The museum is using space in the Schoolhouse Children’s Museum, which is located at 129 E. Ocean Avenue in Boynton Beach.  The exhibit will be up until December 31^st.  For further information, call 561*243-2662 or on the web at www.mlfhmuseum.org.   

Madonna and Child

Our Lady of Pop Culture Madonna, formerly known as Madonna Louise Ciccone Penn Richie and Esther, has legally taken custody of a 1-year-old Malawian boy and has acted according to the law and abiding by all rules as any parent seeking adoption.  After an 18-month evaluation period, she hopes to make the adoption permanent according to Malawi law.  Her and Guy Richie state that they began the process many months prior to their trip but wanted to keep the matter quiet and private.  As I reported a couple of months ago, she has been working with the town of Malawi in Africa and specifically with an orphanage that is the direct result of AIDS and abandonment there of. 

Ft. Lauderdale Choir Loves Judy Friday, October 27^th

On Friday, October 27^th, the Fort Lauderdale Gay Men’s Choir will be performing a salute to Judy Garland with a musical review entitled JUDY:  A Celebration of the Music and Legend of Judy Garland.  This will be a one shot deal, at the Amaturo Theatre at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts at 8pm.  They will combine both Carnegie Hall triumphs as well as some new special arrangements.  Tickets are available online at www.browardcenter.org. 

Get On Your Toes 

The first performance of the 2006/2007 season of the Ballet Florida will be November 3-5^th and will be at the Eissey Campus Theatre in Palm Beach Gardens.  Tickets are now on sale for the world premier of Bello, which will feature live music onstage by the Mercury Baroque Ensemble.  For tickets or further information, you can go to www.balletflorida.com or call them at 800*540-0172 or 561*659-2000.   

Queen of Fashion 

In keeping with the theme this week over the premier of Marie Antoinette, I have found a perfect book that fits for my column, Queen of Fashion.  It is amazing to learn just how powerful and influential clothing is, when the 14-year-old Maria Antonia Josepha Johanna of the Austrian Hapsburgs was handed over to the Bourbon court in 1770, she was stripped of everything of her former land and relinquishing her nationality with her clothes.  When redressed, she a “gleaming ceremonial gown made from cloth-of-gold” that iconized her as the human embodiment of the French monarchy and then was handed over to Louis Augste, the future King Louis XVI.  Later on, she discovered that the Kings’ wives were viewed as drab and unshowy, yet the mistresses were the ones that fine feathers were reserved for and thereby went on a mission to change her image.  This book deals with the processes she took to gain and credentials she obtained through fashion do’s and don’ts.  The book is titled, Queen of Fashion:  What Marie Antoinette Wore to the Revolution and can be found in your nearest library (anywhere you might be reading this on earth) by entering your Zip or Postal Code at www.worldcatlibraries.org/

Next month, Julianne Moore will be making her Broadway debut, starring with Bill Nighy in The Vertical Hour at The Music Box Theatre at 239 West 45^th Street.  This tells the story of a young American war-reporter-turned-academic who travels abroad and finds herself caught in a most surprising romantic triangle, pulled between the affections of her lover and her lover’s father.    Previews begin November 9^th and runs for 20 weeks only.  www.ticketmaster.com 

Nathan Lane is Butley

Right now, at the Booth Theatre in New York City, you can catch Tony Award Winning actor Nathan Lane as he performs Butley.  His wife just left him…so did his lover.  And it’s not even noon.  This is a limited time engagement, only running for 14 weeks—until January 14th!  The Booth Theatre is located at 222 W 45^th Street and you can go to www.butleyonbroadway.com or call them at 800-432-7250 for tickets.